As temperatures begin to drop in Michigan, it’s crucial to prepare your home for the winter season. Whether you’re staying through the cold months or planning to leave for the winter, a bit of proactive maintenance can help avoid costly repairs and ensure your home stays in peak condition. Here’s a guide to essential pre-winter home maintenance tasks, along with some best practices if you plan to leave your home for the season.
Pre-Winter Maintenance Checklist
Inspect and Clean Gutters
Falling leaves and debris can clog gutters, which can cause water to pool and potentially freeze. This could lead to damage such as ice dams, which can ruin your roof and create leaks. Make sure gutters and downspouts are cleaned, and direct water away from the foundation.
Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts can make your home less energy-efficient and harder to keep warm. Check all windows and doors for any gaps and apply caulking or weatherstripping where necessary. This will help reduce heating costs and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Check Your Furnace and HVAC System
It’s important to have your heating system inspected by a professional to ensure it’s in good working condition before winter hits. Change the furnace filter, check the thermostat, and consider having your ducts cleaned to improve indoor air quality.
Protect Outdoor Water Sources
Drain and shut off exterior faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Insulate any exposed pipes in your basement or crawl spaces to avoid potential damage as temperatures plummet.
Inspect Your Roof
Ensure your roof is in good condition by checking for loose or missing shingles. Snow and ice accumulation can be heavy, and even a small leak can turn into a much bigger issue. Have any necessary repairs made before winter arrives.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Heavy snow can break tree branches, which might fall onto your house, car, or driveway. Trim any trees or shrubs near your home to prevent potential damage during winter storms.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With the increased use of fireplaces, furnaces, and space heaters during winter, the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning increases. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and replace batteries if needed.
Best Practices for Leaving Your Home for the Winter
If you plan to leave your home for the winter, taking extra steps to secure your property can provide peace of mind and help avoid unnecessary problems.
Lower the Thermostat, But Don’t Turn Off the Heat
Set your thermostat to around 55°F. This is warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing but will help save on energy costs. Consider installing a programmable thermostat that can be adjusted remotely.
Turn Off the Water Supply
To avoid any risk of pipes freezing and bursting, it’s best to turn off the main water supply. After doing so, drain all the faucets and flush toilets to remove any remaining water from the system.
Winterize Plumbing
For added protection, consider adding antifreeze to your toilet bowls and drains. This will help prevent any remaining water from freezing and expanding in the pipes.
Unplug Electronics
Unplugging non-essential electronics will not only save on electricity but also reduce the risk of fire from power surges.
Secure Windows and Doors
Make sure all windows and doors are securely locked. If possible, install window locks or security bars for added protection. Consider setting up motion-sensor lights or smart security cameras to monitor your property while you’re away.
By following these pre-winter maintenance tips and winter absence best practices, you can protect your home from the harsh Michigan winter, whether you’re staying put or spending the season elsewhere. Taking the time to prepare now can help ensure a trouble-free winter and give you peace of mind.